Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists develop and manage the public image of individuals, groups, or organizations. They write materials for media outlets, manage social media presence, and coordinate communication strategies. Work takes place in PR firms, corporate offices, nonprofits, government agencies, and media organizations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against public relations specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves writing press releases and social media posts, coordinating media interviews, and monitoring public response to organizational announcements. Specialists might spend time researching story angles, pitching ideas to journalists, updating website content, or preparing talking points for executives. Projects shift between ongoing account management and responding to time-sensitive media requests or crises.
Who this work suits
Holland code EAS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy building and promoting ideas or brands and find satisfaction in shaping how others perceive organizations or people. You combine strong writing and communication skills with creative thinking, and you're comfortable working in fast-paced environments where you balance strategic planning with immediate demands.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (COMMUNITY RELATIONS) · U.S. Pacific Fleet · Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Oahu, Hawaii · $93445–$121482
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $78,200 | $102,740 | $149,120 | 16,720 |
| Washington | $71,140 | $87,470 | $111,890 | 6,430 |
| California | $64,460 | $85,030 | $121,180 | 32,710 |
| Connecticut | $62,160 | $84,990 | $122,400 | 1,910 |
| New York | $63,420 | $81,250 | $107,920 | 28,250 |
| Colorado | $64,090 | $80,680 | $105,190 | 7,410 |
| Virginia | $60,610 | $80,380 | $111,600 | 9,990 |
| New Jersey | $58,410 | $80,130 | $105,030 | 4,980 |
| Massachusetts | $61,410 | $79,660 | $107,220 | 6,760 |
| Maryland | $58,600 | $79,560 | $108,160 | 4,190 |
| Rhode Island | $63,310 | $77,540 | $102,280 | 1,140 |
| Illinois | $59,400 | $76,380 | $102,950 | 6,200 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) — Public Relations Society of America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against public relations specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-3031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.